Telecom Innovations Keep Rural America Connected

The telecommunications must be committed to ensuring that essential telecommunications services remain affordable and reliable in every community, no matter how remote. Newer, better, faster technologies like broadband, cable, and satellite enable rural communities to connect to the national and global marketplace.

Telecom policy deregulation will stifle investment in expanded networks and innovation. Americans deserve a telecommunication policy that expands consumer choices and strengthens rural communications networks.

Help keep the American dream alive in the nation’s rural communities by supporting regulated telecom policies that deliver the following benefits:

• Innovative Choices, Services and Value—Speeding greater choices in broadband providers and an array of diverse voice, video and Internet options to rural residents.
• Rural Jobs and Economic Growth—Allowing new generations of rural Americans to stay in their hometowns, rather than leave for work in more urban areas.
• Telecommuting & Distance Learning Opportunities—Delivering new online learning and job opportunities that enhance modern rural life.
• Restoring America’s Global Competitiveness—Re-establishing our nation as an Internet innovator and improving our global broadband deployment ranking, which recently dropped to 16th place.
• Safeguarding Consumers…and Rural America’s Unique Needs—Requiring all telecom competitors to commit to stabilizing universal service, which ensures affordable access to a dial tone for rural families, and makes Internet access available in our schools, libraries and rural health care facilities. Upholding 911, law enforcement and public safety needs are also vital priorities.